Chrysler announced that it will offer hard drive infotainment systems into cars of its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand by the end of this year. Initially, the "MyGig" system will be offered in the restyled Chrysler Sebring, the upcoming Dodge Nitro and the Jeep Wrangler, but other vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander as well as the Chrysler Town&Country minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica cross-over and the Chrysler Aspen, a rebadged Dodge Durango, will get the system as well.

The MyGig stores data on a 20 GB hard drive and displays information on a 6.5" TFT touchscreen. Data can be entered either by touching the display or voice activation. Features include a navigation system, voice memo recording, video playback (when the car is stopped), Bluetooth wireless connectivity and an integrated Sirius satellite radio. The device has a USB connect, which allows music and video files to be transferred to the hard drive. A unique feature is a pre-installed title database from Gracenote, which provides automated information on songs, including title, composer, artist and title when a CD is played.

2007 Chrysler Sebring dash with MyGig system

Chrysler did not say how much space is actually available for storing content. But given the fact that US maps and point-of-interest information can use up to 10 MB and that system software as well as the Gracenote database, which is said to contain information on four million CDs, are preinstalled, than the 20 GB hard drive may run out of space sooner than one may think - especially when the MyGig is loaded up with movies. 40 GB hard drives for cars are offered already - for example by Seagate - but it is unclear whether Chrysler - or any of the other manufacturers that have announced similar systems - will offer these devices.

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